With Daoist Duobao's support, the "Standardized Flying Sword" pilot project got underway at once. Under the title of Special Invited Researcher, Lin Xuan drew several quick-witted, open-minded disciples from the Artifact Refining Hall and the Merit Transmission Hall, forming a temporary Departmental Reform Research Group.
At first, both the recruited disciples and some of the veteran masters in the Artifact Refining Hall were skeptical of Lin Xuan's "unorthodox" methods. One especially senior craftsman frowned at the standardized sword blank molds and simplified Rune Formation Disks Lin Xuan had designed, muttering, "Artifact refining takes individual ingenuity. How can it be done like an assembly line in some mortal blacksmith's shop?"
Lin Xuan didn't rush to argue. He demonstrated the process himself, leading the group through each step according to his procedures—from selecting materials and smelting them to casting the blades in molds, activating the Rune Formation Disks, and guiding the Spiritual Power Infusion. He insisted on precision and repeatability at every stage.
The results were astonishing.
The first ten new disciples in the pilot program were all in the early stages of Refining Essence into Qi. Previously, when they'd tried crafting Flying Swords on their own, their success rate had been under thirty percent, and the quality varied wildly. But after using the standardized process and tools, eight of the ten successfully crafted a qualified Standard Issue Green Edge Sword on their first try! The Flying Swords were a little stiff in their spiritual responsiveness, not as lively as those carefully crafted by veteran masters, but their sharpness, durability, and basic compatibility with the users' spiritual power all met the mark! The other two had only misdirected their spiritual power slightly due to nerves. With some guidance, they succeeded on their second attempt.
The process was several times more efficient, too! In the past, even a skilled disciple needed several days to craft a low-grade Flying Sword. With the new method, including the time needed to learn the process, they could make one in an average of a day!
The data spoke for itself. Once the concrete results were laid out before them, the initial doubts gradually died away. After seeing with his own eyes an average-talented disciple successfully craft a Flying Sword, the veteran who'd been muttering fell silent for a long moment, then sighed. "This method... may lack a little of the artisan's touch, but it truly is a fine way to benefit everyone!"
The Merit Transmission Hall's pilot program for standardized lessons in the Qi Guiding Art had achieved similarly notable results. Visual guides and concrete rhythm cues helped disciples who struggled to understand abstruse texts quickly find their footing. They learned the basics far faster, and built exceptionally solid foundations.
That early success was like a stone dropped into a lake, stirring considerable excitement among Jin'ao Island's lower-ranking disciples. The name "Researcher Xuanyuanzi" was no longer an empty title. It was now associated with ideas like "innovative," "practical," and "actually able to help us."
Once the project was on track, Lin Xuan could finally catch his breath. That night, moonlight flowed over the sprawling halls and pavilions of Biyou Palace. He left his residence and strolled to a secluded sea cliff at the island's edge. Jagged rocks surrounded him, and waves rolled gently across the East Sea below. Behind him, the hazy outline of Biyou Palace's central grounds lay beneath the moonlight, steeped in spiritual energy and natural Dao Charm.
The busyness and pressure of the past several days gradually faded in the quiet night. Looking out at this immortal landscape belonging to the Interception Sect, he was filled with emotion. From being turned away at the Jade Void Palace to becoming the central strategist behind the Interception Sect's reforms—what a strange turn of fate.
[ Ding! The host has entered the core grounds of the primordial world's top faction, the Interception Sect—the Biyou Palace on Jin'ao Island—and successfully advanced preliminary reforms, earning a measure of recognition. Conditions met for a deep-dive sign-in at a special location! Sign in now? ]
The system's notification rang out at just the right moment, carrying a gravity unlike before.
Lin Xuan's heart stirred. A sign-in on Jin'ao Island! What kind of reward would he get in the heart of Sovereign of the Heavens' own grounds?
"Sign in!" he declared inwardly without hesitation.
[ Ding! Beginning deep environmental scan... Analyzing the host's current state and compatibility with his faction... Connecting with the essence of the Dao of "Severing" contained in this place... ]
[ Sign-in successful! Congratulations, host! You've completed a deep-dive faction sign-in at Biyou Palace on Jin'ao Island! ]
[ Rewards: ]
1. [ Divine Ability Imprint · Azure Pine Sword Seal (Imitation) ]: Formed from a trace of Dao Charm left by the Azure Pine Sword, the sacred treasure with which the Interception Sect's leader, Saint Tongtian, attained sainthood. Effects: ① Passive protection: Automatically activates when faced with mortal danger, blocking one full-power attack from an opponent below the Golden Immortal level (single-use). ② Active activation: Consumes a large amount of magical power to unleash a sword aura imbued with the sword intent of "Severing Heaven," with power equivalent to a full-force attack from a peak True Immortal (long cooldown). ③ Symbol of identity: Contains the unique Dao Charm of Sovereign of the Heavens, making it highly recognizable and imposing to Interception Sect disciples and related beings.
2. [ Enlightenment Tea Leaves (three leaves) ]: Produced by the Enlightenment Tea tree, a spiritual root native to Biyou Palace, these leaves contain a pure Dao Charm. When brewed and drunk, they greatly enhance comprehension and aid in understanding cultivation arts and divine abilities. The effect lasts for one hour.
3. [ Slight Blessing of Interception Sect Fortune ]: For his positive contributions to the Interception Sect's development, the host receives a slight blessing from the sect's collective fortune, increasing the chance of encountering opportunities and slightly reducing the severity of tribulations.
As the system notification sounded, Lin Xuan felt a warmth at his brow. A fine yet razor-sharp green sword seal appeared, seemingly capable of severing all restraints and carving out a sliver of life. It soon vanished beneath his skin. At the same time, three emerald-green, naturally curled tea leaves gave off a calming fragrance, and a subtle but unmistakable sense of good fortune merged with his awareness.
The Azure Pine Sword Seal! It contained a trace of the Dao Charm of a Saint's sacred treasure! It was only an imitation, and its use was heavily limited, but its symbolic significance and life-saving power in a critical moment were beyond measure! It was surely a sign of the high regard in which Saint Tongtian—or perhaps the entire sacred grounds—held him!
The Enlightenment Tea Leaves and the blessing of fortune would also offer practical help with his cultivation.
As Lin Xuan savored the joy of his generous rewards, a calm yet majestic voice sounded directly in his heart lake. It was Saint Tongtian.
"Xuanyuanzi."
Lin Xuan's heart tightened. He quickly gathered his thoughts and replied respectfully, "This disciple is here."
"The Azure Pine Sword Seal is yours for protection. May you bear this intent of 'Severing' and never forget your purpose. Reform boldly. The third floor of Biyou Palace's Scripture Pavilion, in the 'Miscellaneous Arts' section, may hold the texts you need. Make good use of it."
With that, the connection vanished, as if it had never been.
Lin Xuan stood where he was, his heart surging. Saint Tongtian knew not only that he'd received a reward through the sign-in, but had personally sent him a message of guidance and opened access to a higher-level section of the Scripture Pavilion! This show of trust and expectation was beyond anything he'd imagined!
He gazed toward the depths of Biyou Palace, his resolve firm. The Azure Pine Sword Seal at his brow seemed to grow warm, as if reminding him of the responsibility he bore.
This special sign-in had given him not only a powerful protective charm and resources for cultivation, but also a silent commission. The foundation of his path in the Interception Sect had been firmly laid.
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